The village of Plainfield is joining the communities of Chicago, Bolingbrook and Aurora in a national push to limit tobacco sales to those ages 21 and older.
At its meeting Monday, the Plainfield Village Board amended municipal laws related to the regulation of cigarette and tobacco dealers.
The initiative arose as a hot topic locally and nationally in recent months, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns of adverse health effects brought on by the use of electronic cigarettes and other alternative nicotine products.
Several officials said they believe the village should stand at the forefront of the issue.
“I think this is a good step in that direction,” Trustee Brian Wojowski said. “It’s about all we can do with regard to this.”
Trustee Larry Newton shared that sentiment.
“This is not a solution, but it’s a step in the right direction,” he said.
Not everyone on the board supports the initiative.
“I don’t believe it’s the responsibility of the local officials to mandate what we believe to be the most mature age for our residents to purchase tobacco products,” Trustee Cally Larson said.
Larson said she would rather let the state of Illinois handle it.
“I commend Will County for all their work, and I don’t disagree with the effects of smoking has on our community,” she said. “We do need better education regarding some of the issues we’re having.”
In a 5-1 decision, trustees voted to authorize the initiative. Voting no was Larson.
Project Jupiter
Staff provided an update to the board detailing the timetable for the build-out of the Project Jupiter distribution center planned for 143rd Street.
Jonathan Proulx, director of planning for the village, said the construction is expected to begin this week or the following.
The village board approved the project in October 2018. About that time, a number of residents raised concerns for the facility regarding screening and traffic.
“Staff has re-engaged in the planning for the additional buffering and screening improvements for 143rd Street,” Proulx said.
Other business
· Trustees approved a proposed site plan for a warehouse and two self-storage units, located on 1.06 acres north of Lockport Street and east of the Canadian National Railroad right-of-way. In a related matter, Plainfield officials authorized the village attorney to prepare an ordinance granting approval of a special use for the project.
· The board decided to purchase 313 General Electric cobra head LED light fixtures at a cost not to exceed $74,825.78. The village has installed 1,200 replacement LED streetlights within more than 25 subdivisions during the past five years. ComEd will be installing 222 replacement LED streetlights on their utility poles during 2019.
· A motion was passed approving the police chief’s request for a three-year, $10,270 renewal contract with Best Technology for shooting range maintenance.
· Plainfield officials awarded a contract valued at $2,751,094.75 to D Construction to allow the low bidder to proceed with the Village Green underground utility improvements project. In a related action, the board authorized an engineering services agreement with Baxter and Woodman Consulting Engineers to address construction services needed to complete the project.